Our Best Ornament

CHRISTmas Day...2012. I hope everybody had a great day.

Christmas over the years has changed for our family drastically. It used to be my grandma cooking fried eggs in a cast iron skillet with one hand, and stirring the gravy for biscuits with the other hand. Grandpa would say grace...and the men would eat...followed by the women. Gotta love those southern (Missouri) traditions.

Eventually, the breakfast moved to my parents house, and my Mom took over. Scrambled egg casserole, but still plenty of biscuits and gravy. Plus...after eating...presents...way too many presents. She prided herself on picking out that special gift.

Mom left us in March of 2008. Now...the breakfast is at our house. My wife does 95% of the work...but I am the gravy man. Gravy made only from bacon. If you want sausage gravy...go to Bob Evans.

Last year...all Merrick wanted to do is pull the ornaments off the tree. This year...he is more into opening the presents...whether they're his or not. His favorite gift this year is Tow Mater, the tow truck from the movie Cars. It is in his right hand. It was a gift from cousins Scott and Markie. Don't even think about taking it from him.

I put a few more CHRISTmas Eve pictures on my Flickr page. Among them...a snow shot that ensured we would have a White Christmas.

C'mon...everybody sing White Christmas with me...EVERYBODY BUT YOU...MICHAEL BOLTON!!" That version makes me nauseous.